§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress to date on achieving maximum class sizes of 30 for five to seven-year-olds; and what steps will be taken over the next six months. [25026]
§ Mr. ByersThe Government are on course to deliver its class size pledge to the electorate by the end of this Parliament. The Education (Schools) Act 1997, which phases out the Assisted Places Scheme, received Royal Assent in July last year. The first £22 million savings from the Scheme will become available from April to reduce class sizes in authorities from September. The School Standards and Framework Bill at present before Parliament, includes a range of provisions to give effect to our policy.